2017 Wylie Scholar

Dr. Sean English became the 20th Wylie Scholar for his research project to neutralize the body’s signaling mechanisms that cause abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) to grow.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dangerous condition and AAA rupture often results in death. Without an accepted medical therapy, treatment requires surgery and long-term follow-up imaging. Yet diagnostic and surveillance methods used for the assessment of AAAs are limited. 

The inflammation associated with AAA development is multifaceted; however, Dr. English identified a particular signaling molecule that plays an integral role in both AAA development and rupture. His intent was to assess the ability of a positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer to neutralize this signaling molecule, in an effort to limit AAA development and decrease associated rupture. He hoped to demonstrate inflammation predictive of growth/rupture in an animal model that he developed. Dr. English’s research evaluated the ability of this radiotracer to noninvasively characterize human AAA associated inflammation.

“I am honored to be acknowledged in this manner as a surgeon-scientist, and I am incredibly humbled to be in the company of the prior recipients. We share the same passion and vision to evolve the way we diagnose, survey, and treat vascular disease in a more patient-specific fashion.”